Istituto Nazionale Tostiano

The National Tostiano Institute in Ortona preserves the legacy of composer Francesco Paolo Tosti, who was born in the town in 1846. Based at Palazzo Corvo, it brings together a museum, music archive and library devoted to his life and work.

Why it matters

Tosti became an internationally known composer of songs and a singing teacher in Italy and Britain. His papers and memorabilia connect Ortona with the European musical world of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The institute's national standing recognises the cultural importance of his archive.

What to notice

The Sale Tosti display personal objects and memorabilia, including the composer's seal with the motto “Vivi e lascia vivere.” The archive holds manuscripts, correspondence, a music library, instruments, iconographic material and medals. Tosti's work spans songs in Italian, English, French, Neapolitan and Abruzzese, as well as sacred and instrumental music.

Context and history

Born in Ortona on 7 April 1846, Tosti studied at the Naples conservatory and later worked in Rome and London. In 1880 he was appointed singing teacher to the British royal family. He wrote more than four hundred songs and died in Rome in 1916. The municipality established the institute in Palazzo Corvo to preserve his papers and support research and performance of his music.